Jennifer Lawrence is highlighting the impact of women directors in Hollywood, crediting them for shaping her early career and inspiring her own ambitions in filmmaking.
The Oscar-winning actress also shared her plans to write and direct a comedy she will star in.
Jennifer Lawrence, known for The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook, spoke about working with women directors throughout her career.
She highlighted collaborations with filmmakers such as Lori Perry (The Poker House), Debra Granik (Winter’s Bone), Jodie Foster (The Beaver), and Susanne Bier (Serena). Notably, her work with Debra Granik earned her first Oscar nomination.
“My first movie ever was a female director,” the 35-year-old actress told Amy Poehler on the Good Hang podcast.
Early experiences inspired directing ambitions
Lawrence explained that working with female directors as a teenager was formative. “I ended up working with more female directors than male directors as a teenager. It was a formative experience,” she said, adding that it inspired her desire to direct.
“I realized it was possible for me to direct, too. I’ve wanted to do it since I was a teenager,” she continued, emphasizing how early mentorship shaped her ambitions.
Collaboration and inclusion on set
Reflecting on her experiences in her 20s and beyond, Lawrence said she actively asks directors to include her in the filmmaking process.
“A lot of them have been nice and have included me in the [filmmaking] process and have let me see post,” she admitted, highlighting a collaborative approach fostered by supportive directors.
Lawrence did not shy away from calling out male directors in the industry. “I love white men? Oh my god! If I could just be their champion. They are so misunderstood,” she said, playfully critiquing Hollywood’s male-dominated filmmaking environment.
Looking ahead, Lawrence shared plans to write and direct a comedy film that she will also star in. This move marks a significant step toward her vision of taking creative control and contributing to more diverse perspectives in Hollywood.
